Leaving tomorrow

We're leaving tomorrow morning...

I wonder how she's being prepared. What are they telling her? How does a child say goodbye to the only life she's ever known? Is she old enough to understand any of this?

I've read that the more upset they are in the first few days with us, the better. I know that sounds strange, but the fact that she has made attachments to people in the orphanage, bodes well for forming new attachments. It makes me nervous and yet I've handled some big tantrums before. I am so happy that we're not first-time parents going into this. She will grieve, I'm sure - just hope I can give her what she needs in the process.

Imagine, leaving her home, arriving at our hotel and then being left with tall white people who don't speak her language. Will is so good at breaking the ice with kids - he already has lots of ideas. I think having our children there with us will hopefully make it less threatening.

We're not traveling light. Gone are the days when I'd leave the country with a backpack. If I forget something, I bet it was made in China anyway! We're waking up at 4 am. Yikes.